Concordia University PhD studentship in Biology 2026

This project addresses rising urban heat and climate risks. It uses sensors, AI, and climate modeling to predict health impacts and improve city planning. The goal is to develop energy-efficient upgrades and green infrastructure in areas most affected by extreme heat—especially for seniors and Indigenous communities. The research helps guide real-life projects like Net-Zero neighborhoods and supports fair, science-based climate policies.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: September 1, 2025
2. Study Level: PhD
3. Sponsor: Concordia University
4. City to Study: Quebec
5. School to Study: Concordia University
6. Course to Study: Biological Sciences, Biology
7. Eligible Countries: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Concordia University PhD studentship in Biology 2026

1. MSc in a relevant field (e.g., biology, ecology, forestry, geography, environmental sciences, engineering, or urban planning), with interest in plant ecology, urban biodiversity, and green infrastructure.
2. Experience with GIS and spatial analysis, strong data management and analytical skills.
3. Excellent written and oral communication abilities and a collaborative mindset.
4. Proactive in learning new ecological methods and integrating engineering/built environment approaches.
5. Field experience with urban vegetation and familiarity with urban microclimate modeling tools (e.g., iTree, Envi-MET) are considered assets.
6. Sufficient knowledge of climate modeling and demonstrated experience or potential to be trained in the use of climate modeling tools (e.g., WRF, GEM).
7. Ability to communicate in French is an advantage but not required.

Application Documents

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in working in this position
2. Academic CV
3. Transcripts
4. Names and contact information of 2 referees
5. Writing sample
6. Publications, if any
7. Any other documents that might benefit your file

Applications must be in screen-readable PDF.

Benefits of Concordia University PhD studentship in Biology 2026

1. Fully funded PhD position with a guaranteed stipend of $35,000/year for four years, plus support for conferences, fieldwork, and collaborative projects.
2. Opportunity to contribute to real-world climate adaptation strategies through Concordia’s Volt-Age program, advancing urban resilience and equity in Canadian cities.
3. Hands-on experience in urban field ecology, microclimate data collection, spatial analysis, and the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) datasets.
4. Collaboration within an interdisciplinary research team, including ecologists, engineers, urban planners, and public policy experts, addressing the challenges of urban heat and environmental justice.
5. Access to advanced research tools, including GIS platforms, environmental sensors, and urban microclimate modeling software (e.g., iTree, Envi-MET).
6. Structured mentorship and professional development, with opportunities to publish in top ecology and urban sustainability journals and present at leading conferences.
7. A dynamic research environment at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus in Montreal, within a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to sustainability, biodiversity, and urban innovation.

How to Apply

Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in working in this position
2. Academic CV
3. Transcripts
4. Names and contact information of 2 referees
5. Writing sample
6. Publications, if any
7. Any other documents that might benefit your file

Applications must be in screen-readable PDF.

If you are already in Canada, or if you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, please highlight this in your communications.

Send your PDF file to carly.ziter@concordia.ca with the subject as:

Urban microclimate_Your Name

For more details, visit Concordia University Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

September 1, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Concordia University PhD studentship in Biology 2026